The Victorian Government’s plans to change some requirements of the residential zones will improve housing outcomes in its suburbs said the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
HIA’s acting executive director Keith Banks said the state government’s recent announcement on amending the residential zones has been seen as a logical starting point to improve residential outcomes.
In the past HIA has argued that the new zone provisions introduced in 2014 have had the effect of limiting the design of new homes together with restricting the location of small medium density developments.
Banks added the changes to the “Neighbourhood Residential Zone and General Residential Zone” announced recently was a good starting point in improving the current situation.
“During the roll-out of the new suite of residential zones HIA has constantly argued for less prescription from councils in dictating the design of homes. Also many councils have rolled out the most restrictive zone widely, which limits opportunities for new homes and small to medium redevelopment opportunities in their area.”
“With a growing population in Melbourne, we need to be able to house some of the growth in our existing suburbs.
“The government’s “re-calibration” of the residential zones will go some way to addressing the situation and providing further and improved design opportunities,” Banks said.
Banks said HIA was positive about the government’s move to re-calibrate the residential zones as it was an important that industry was given a genuine opportunity to test the amendments and provide feedback with regards to design pros and cons.
“Complex residential zones and associated planning requirements have the potential to stifle innovative design, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.”
